West Ham United have signed Sheffield United goalkeeper Wes Foderingham on a two-year contract.
Our writers — experts in transfers, tactics, data and football finance — have come together to rate this summer’s senior Premier League transfers in five categories, with each aspect given a score out of 100, to reach a total score out of 500. Hence, The Athletic 500. The ratings are explained in more detail here (not all transfers will be rated as there may be a lack of data to support an analysis).
Below is our rating for this move.
Tactical fit — 69/100
A look at how the player fits into his new club tactically, using Sentient Sports’ bespoke tactical-fit model, explained by our tactical expert.
Foderingham is an experienced goalkeeper set to provide support to Alphonse Areola and Lukasz Fabianski.
Coming from Sheffield United, he is used to a direct playing style, with 54.6 per cent of his goal kicks being long balls, compared to Areola’s 43.1 per cent.
We can see an example here in a December match against Crystal Palace, when Foderingham spots Benie Traore in a one-v-one with Marc Guehi. He launches a great pass to Traore, who is supported by William Osula. However, Traore’s hesitation allows Guehi to win the ball.
Looking at his pass map from last season (below), we can see Foderingham favoured long passes over the central midfield and out to the flanks rather than passing out from the back.
By comparison, a goalkeeper who favours playing out from the back, such as David Raya at Arsenal, would have a pass map that is more focused on their penalty area with a very low percentage of passes going out wide or long
This could be an issue under Julen Lopetegui, as he transitions West Ham from a counter-attacking style to a structured and systematic setup. This new approach focuses on dominating possession against most opponents, creating few chances but minimising risks.
Foderingham, known more as a traditional shot-stopper than a ball-playing goalkeeper, may struggle to adapt to the possession-based system. However, he is mainly being preached to provide cover and maybe to play in cup games.
Gillian Kasirye
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Season rating: 44/100
Rating the player over the course of last season, using statistics from The Athletic’s data team.
It was a season to forget for Foderingham, who played a part in Sheffield United breaking the Premier League’s single-season record for goals conceded.
He made 30 league appearances for Sheffield United last season, conceding 79 goals. As part of a team that finished 20th, collecting 16 points, the former England age-group international conceded five or more goals on six occasions, including an 8-0 hammering at home to Newcastle United in September.
Due to his poor form, manager Chris Wilder dropped Foderingham for nine games between February and April. He won his place back for the final five games of the season, in which Sheffield United conceded 16 goals.
Elias Burke
Gaming rating: 64/100
Rating the player according to Football Manager 2024’s data across both current and potential ability.
According to Football Manager, Foderingham is a starting-quality goalkeeper for most Championship teams and a capable second or third-choice stopper for a Premier League side.
His current ability rating of 126 is comparable to Gavin Bazunu (127), who played most of the season for Southampton as they were promoted to the Premier League. It is also a considerable upgrade on Joseph Anang (102), who was released by West Ham this summer after playing third fiddle to Alphonse Areola (140) and Lukasz Fabianski (135) last season.
At 33, Sports Interactive does not believe there is much room for growth for the Hammersmith-born shot-stopper. His potential ability rating (127) is just one higher than his current ability on FM24.
Elias Burke
Financial value rating: 50/100
A four-category summary of the player’s transfer in financial terms — and whether it makes sense for his new club.
Market value — 16/25
Joins with the scars of an ignominious season with Sheffield United but brings minimal risk as a free agent. The financial commitment required for this deal will not move the needle on West Ham’s summer business and, if things map out as planned, will only ever be a peripheral figure. A no-brainer in many respects.
Squad cost — 17/25
West Ham needed goalkeeping cover without breaking the bank and Foderingham’s arrival on a free protects funds to target outfield targets. An experienced, low-maintenance like-for-like replacement for the outgoing Joseph Anang.
Contract sensibility — 14/25
A two-year deal suits player and club, striking the balance between Foderingham’s security and protecting West Ham. Likely to be among the lower end of his new club’s earners. No reason to believe Foderingham cannot justify a deal that runs until 2026.
Resale value — 3/25
Each of Foderingham’s last three moves have been free transfers and, now 33, it is unlikely he will attract offers on the fringes of West Ham’s first team. Adding value to the squad was not part of the motivation to recruit.
Philip Buckingham
Risk or reward? 65/100
Is there a history of injury or other problems that could crop up and make this deal a bad one in retrospect? Or does the player come with a clean bill of health? Our expert takes a look.
Foderingham has not signed to become West Ham’s first-choice goalkeeper and that reduces the risk. He replaces the outgoing Joseph Anang (24) and is a much more experienced player, with nearly 500 league appearances. That means, if required, he would be a more than competent No 2 if either Areola or Fabianski either left or were sidelined. He has experience playing in the Premier League too, even if last season was tough going at Sheffield United.
He has no known serious previous injury issues, and is returning to London, having grown up in Shepherd’s Bush and come through the academy at Fulham. As a free transfer, there is limited financial risk even if he may not feature much in the first team unless in emergencies.
Overall rating: 292/500
(Top photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images; design: Eamonn Dalton)
